1813 · London
by Gifford, W.
London: G. and W. Nicol and others, 1813. Large Paper, Second Edition. This complete four volume set is in good+ condition in 1/4 leather and red paper covered boards with gilt text on the spines. This contemporary binding is by C. Lewis as noted in pencil in an early hand on the second free end page of volume I. C. [Charles] Lewis (1786-1836] operated what was one of the most renowned binderies in London. (Ellic Howe: A List of London Bookbinders) Each volume is a small quarto measuring 9 7/8 by 6 1/8 inches. The paper on the boards is rubbed through at the lower edges of the boards and at the tips. One quarter inch of the leather on the front joint of volume I is missing. The leather on the spines has been treated and cured of leather rot. There are small, attractive bookplates in the upper corners of the fixed end sheets of all four volumes. There is also an early prior owner's name written in pencil at the upper corner of the second free end page of each volume together with a date of "5/83" which we take to mean May of 1883. Except for the frontispiece and the title page for volume I there is essentially no foxing or tanning to the pages of this set. The hinges and joints for all four volumes remain tight and strong. Volume I contains: advertisement to the Second Edition, Introduction and essay and the plays: The Virgin-Martyr, The Unnatural Combat and The Duke of Milan with 347 pages. It is illustrated with an engrave frontispiece. Volume II contains the plays: The Bondman, The Renegado, The Parliament Of Love, The Roman Actor and The Great Duke of Florence. Volume III contains the plays: The Maid of Honour, The Picture, The Emperor Of The East, The Fatal Dowry and A New Way To Pay Old Debts. Volume IV contains the plays: The City madam, The Guardian, A Very Woman, The Bashful Lover and The Old Law. (Inventory #: TB28951)